Thinking about buying a place in Spring Lake to run as a short-term rental? Recent rule changes mean location and permits matter more than ever. You want a clear path that protects your investment and keeps you on the right side of local rules. This guide breaks down how the STR overlays work in both the Village and Township, what to check at the parcel level, and the steps to get permitted. Let’s dive in.
What changed in Spring Lake
Spring Lake Township voted in May 2025 to tighten its short-term rental rules by shrinking approvals to a small overlay centered on Strawberry Point. The change removed STR eligibility from other R-3 areas and left roughly 221 homes inside the Township’s overlay, with about 25 registered STRs total and about 22 of those in Strawberry Point. These figures show a limited supply and high neighborhood sensitivity to parking and noise. You can read local coverage of the Township action and counts in recent reporting by WGVU News and Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
The Village of Spring Lake adopted its own Short-Term Rental Overlay District in January 2023 and treats STRs as a special land use inside that overlay. The Village also placed a six-month pause on new STR permits starting November 18, 2024 while it reviewed policy and public feedback. You can find the Village overlay standards in the Village Code on eCode360 and moratorium context from Crain’s.
Overlay basics and why it matters
An overlay is a mapped area that allows STRs only within its boundaries, on top of the usual zoning. Both the Village and Township use overlays, not town-wide permissions. That means the first and most important step is verifying whether a specific address sits inside the applicable overlay. Buying outside the overlay means you cannot legally operate an STR.
Village overlay standards to know
Permits and registration
Inside the Village overlay, STRs require a special land use approval through the Planning Commission. You also register the unit under Chapter 271 and submit a floor plan and a scaled site plan as part of the application. The Commission may add conditions to reduce neighborhood impacts. Full standards are in the Village Code.
Parking and occupancy
The Village requires at least two off-street parking spaces for up to six occupants, with more spaces as occupancy increases. All parking must be on the lot in designated areas, never on grass. Occupancy ties to building codes, and guests must sleep in approved bedrooms.
Outdoor features and enforcement
Decks, patios, pools, and fire pits can trigger setbacks, screening, or fencing conditions. If you do not follow conditions or registration rules, your approval can be revoked after a hearing. Plan for clear house rules, trash handling, and quiet hours to stay compliant.
Township overlay at a glance
Spring Lake Township now concentrates STRs within a smaller overlay that centers on Strawberry Point and excludes prior R-3 areas. Always confirm the exact map and the current process through the Township’s ordinances and zoning page. Start with the Spring Lake Township ordinance resources, then request the current overlay map from planning staff.
Street-level investor checklist
- Confirm the parcel is inside the overlay map for the Village or Township. Ask planning staff for the official exhibit that shows your block. See the Village overlay code reference for context.
- Check for any active moratorium or pending changes before you write an offer. Recent pauses have delayed new permits, as covered by Crain’s.
- Gather application items early: registration, floor plan, scaled site plan, and proof of off-street parking that meets the standard.
- Measure bedrooms and confirm occupancy under relevant building codes. Plan signage and house rules to manage noise and trash.
- Map your operating budget to include fees, site work, and possible conditions like screening or fencing.
- Confirm how lodging taxes will be collected and remitted for each booking channel you plan to use.
- Obtain insurance that specifically covers short-term rental activity.
Permitting timeline and what to expect
You will register the unit, submit your special land use application, provide plans, show on-site parking, and pay fees. A Planning Commission hearing and public notice are common, which can add several weeks or months. The Commission can add conditions tied to parking, occupancy, or outdoor spaces. Build a timeline that allows for at least one hearing cycle and potential revisions to your site plan.
Taxes and insurance
Michigan applies a 6 percent state use or sales tax to short-term stays under 30 days. Some booking platforms collect and remit taxes under their own agreements, but owners remain responsible for any taxes not remitted on their behalf. Review the statewide overview from the Michigan Short-Term Rental Association, then confirm what your platform covers and what you must file directly. For insurance, ask for a policy or endorsement that covers STR operations and meets local safety expectations described in the Village Code.
Risk signals and underwriting tips
- The supply of permitted STRs is limited, and recent actions narrowed where new ones can operate. Scarcity can support rates for compliant units, but it raises entitlement risk for conversions.
- Public feedback is active. Expect close attention to parking, noise, and waterfront access, and plan conservative occupancy targets.
- Build a buffer for compliance costs like paving stalls, screening, or fencing. Noncompliance can trigger hearings and possible revocation.
Local reporting from WGVU News and Crain’s highlights these trends.
Transfer and resale considerations
Some Michigan cities end STR licenses at sale or make them non-transferable. While each community is different, you should confirm whether any Spring Lake approval runs with the land or requires new approvals after closing. For comparison, see how other municipalities structure license transfer and caps in this Muskegon policy example. Treat Spring Lake’s own codes and staff guidance as the final word.
Local help when you are ready
If you want parcel-level clarity before you write an offer, we are here to help. Our team knows the Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Holland corridors and has hands-on investor and rental experience. Reach out to Emily Garcia for a consult, a map check, and a step-by-step plan tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Can I run an STR anywhere in Spring Lake?
- No. Both the Village and Township allow STRs only inside their mapped overlays. Always verify your parcel’s overlay status and any active moratorium through local planning or the posted ordinances.
How hard is the Village special-use permit?
- It takes planning. You will register the unit, submit floor and site plans, prove off-street parking, and meet performance standards under the Village Code. A public hearing and conditions are common.
Are current Spring Lake STRs grandfathered?
- Some permitted and compliant STRs may continue operating, but map changes and enforcement can limit new approvals. Check recent Township actions covered by WGVU News and confirm status for any address.
What taxes apply to Spring Lake short stays?
- Michigan applies a 6 percent state use or sales tax to stays under 30 days. Platforms may collect in some cases, but you must confirm coverage and handle any remaining filings. Review the MiSTRA overview.
Where can I get the official overlay map?
- Ask the Village or Township planning office for the current overlay exhibit and any updates. Start with the Village standards on eCode360 and the Township ordinance page, then request the map graphic for your parcel.
